Understanding immune cells in the aging brain
Official title: The development and function of aging-associate innate lymphoid cells in the choroid plexus
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10659515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the brain change as we get older and how they might be linked to memory and thinking problems, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease, to see if boosting these cells could help improve brain health in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,861,289 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG078459-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, especially those experiencing cognitive decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have cognitive impairments or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain immune cells, known as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), develop and function in the choroid plexus as people age. The study aims to explore the relationship between these cells and the aging process, particularly in the context of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced techniques like lineage tracking and adoptive transfer, researchers will examine how these immune cells accumulate and whether enhancing their function can improve cognitive health in older adults. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for age-related cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation in older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune cell functions in aging, but this specific approach focusing on ILC2 in the choroid plexus is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Qi — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Yang, Qi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.